Delhi is grappling with a severe water crisis exacerbated by an intense heatwave, prompting Water Minister Atishi to seek urgent intervention from Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Shekhawat.
The crisis stems from Haryana’s failure to release the necessary amount of water from the Yamuna River, causing a drastic dip in water levels at the Wazirabad Barrage and threatening the capital’s water supply.
Water Levels Drop as Heatwave Intensifies Demand
In her letter to Shekhawat, Atishi emphasized Delhi’s heavy dependence on the Yamuna River to meet its daily water needs. The situation has become dire in recent days due to a significant reduction in the water released by Haryana.
“As you are aware, Delhi is heavily dependent on water from the Yamuna River to meet its day-to-day demand for water. However, in the last few days, there has been a drastic dip in the water levels at the Wazirabad Barrage as Haryana is not releasing the required amount of water in the Yamuna River,” Atishi wrote.
The issue is further compounded by the scorching temperatures in Delhi, which have soared to nearly 50 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat has intensified the demand for water, putting additional pressure on an already strained supply system.
Atishi warned that if the situation persists, Delhi’s water treatment plants would be unable to operate optimally, leading to severe water shortages across the city. “If adequate water is not released by Haryana, then our plants would not be able to function optimally. And if the water treatment plants do not function optimally, then Delhi will not be able to meet its demand-supply gap,” she explained.
Calls for Immediate Action and Inter-State Cooperation
The Delhi Minister has taken steps to address the crisis by forming on-ground teams tasked with preventing water wastage. However, she acknowledged that these measures alone would not be sufficient to resolve the severe water scarcity.
Atishi appealed to Shekhawat, requesting him to make provisions for additional water supplies from neighboring states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. “We request your urgent intervention in the issue. The State of Haryana must immediately release Delhi’s rightful share of water into the Yamuna River to bring the waters to the normal level of 674.5 feet,” she urged.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also joined the appeal, urging the central government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to facilitate cooperation from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to help Delhi meet its water demand. Kejriwal’s appeal underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts to address the water crisis affecting millions of residents in the national capital.
Immediate Measures and Long-Term Solutions
The immediate focus is on stabilizing water levels in the Yamuna River to ensure that Delhi’s water treatment plants can function efficiently. The urgent release of water from Haryana is essential to bring the river to its normal level, thus averting a more severe crisis. Additionally, securing water from Uttar Pradesh or other states could provide temporary relief and help bridge the gap in supply.
In the long term, Delhi’s government is likely to explore sustainable solutions to prevent future crises. This includes enhancing water conservation efforts, improving the efficiency of water distribution systems, and investing in alternative sources such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling.
The current situation highlights the vulnerability of urban centers like Delhi to climate change and inter-state water disputes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive water management strategies.
The water crisis in Delhi serves as a stark reminder of the importance of inter-state cooperation and the need for proactive measures to manage water resources effectively.
As the city battles extreme heat and dwindling water supplies, the swift response and support from neighboring states and the central government will be crucial in mitigating the impact on Delhi’s residents and ensuring a stable water supply for the future.
